Roadside Assistance Add-On Cover for Commercial Vehicle Insurance
Imagine being stranded in the middle of the road with a goods-carrying vehicle and a flat tyre or a dead battery, a lost key, etc. A standard commercial vehicle insurance policy will not be enough to cover such issues, especially if they occur in the middle of the night. This is where policyholders can use the RSA (Roadside Assistance) add-on cover with their comprehensive insurance policy as an added layer of protection. Read on to know more about the add-on cover and the benefits it offers for business-owned goods and passenger-carrying vehicles.
What is Roadside Assistance Cover for Commercial Vehicle Insurance?
The RSA or Roadside Assistance is an optional add-on cover available only with a comprehensive commercial vehicle insurance policy at an additional premium. Policyholders can increase the coverage of their comprehensive insurance policy with this add-on as it provides 24x7 roadside assistance services, such as on-spot repairs, battery jumpstart, tyre replacement, etc. It is beneficial as it offers convenience, protection, and peace of mind to the business owners.
Reasons to Buy the RSA Add-On Cover with Commercial Vehicle Insurance
Listed below are some of the common reasons to buy this add-on cover with a commercial vehicle insurance:
- 24x7 Roadside Assistance: This add-on cover offers roadside assistance in case of minor breakdowns anytime throughout the year and even during public holidays. The add-on provides services, like towing, flat tyre replacement, emergency fuel delivery, battery jumpstart, etc.
- Reduces Repair Time: Repairing a commercial vehicle can be very costly and lead to delays, missed deliveries, reduced productivity, and drain business finances. The roadside assistance add-on cover for a commercial vehicle helps in getting the insured commercial vehicle back on the road as quickly as possible. It helps in minimising downtime and preventing potential financial losses.
- Towing Services: Some insurers also provide towing services for your commercial vehicle under the RSA add-on cover. They will take the insured vehicle to the nearest garage or repair centre, saving time and extra effort.
- On-Site Repairs: The RSA add-on cover offers minor on-site repairs, which help to get the vehicle operational again without even going to a workshop. It is easy, convenient, and saves a lot of time.
- Cost-Effective: Having this add-on is often more cost-effective than having to pay for minor services in the middle of the road at an unexpected time. Since towing and emergency repairs can be expensive, the add-on reduces out-of-pocket expenses and even helps you at odd hours.
- Offers Peace of Mind: This add-on offers a peace of mind for drivers who are frequently on the road as it reduces the stress of dealing with breakdowns or accidents in the middle of the night at a deserted road.
What Does the RSA Add-On Cover Include?
The Roadside Assistance add-on cover includes the following services for the insured commercial vehicle:
| Service | Description |
| Telephonic Assistance | Offers telephonic assistance and provides solutions for minor mechanical errors, faults, etc. |
| On-site Minor Repairs | Provides on-site repairs for mechanical and electrical breakdowns |
| Lost Key Replacement | Picking and delivering spare keys in case of lost or locked key, as per the radius mentioned in the policy wording |
| Flat Tyre Assistance | Assistance in case of a flat or punctured tyre |
| Battery Jumpstart | Helps with battery jumpstart or replacement, in case the battery of the insured commercial vehicle dies |
| Towing Services | Offers towing services to the nearest garage, in case of major breakdown or accidents |
| Fuel Delivery Services | Delivers emergency fuel if the insured vehicle runs out of fuel (fuel capacity and coverage radius as per policy terms) |
Is it Worth it to Have the RSA Add-On Cover with Commercial Vehicle Insurance?
Even though RSA is an optional add-on cover, it is beneficial for most business-owned vehicles. Since the financial and mental burden of repairing a stranded vehicle in the middle of the night can be a nightmare, having this add-on cover for the insured commercial vehicle can be a big advantage.
This add-on is also beneficial for commercial vehicles used for delivery of goods or services, or those that operate in regions with unpredictable weather and road conditions. It is because this add-on not only helps during the breakdown of your vehicle but also ensures that the owner-driver of the insured vehicle is not stuck in a dangerous or remote location and situation. It adds safety and convenience and is a valuable addition to any commercial vehicle insurance policy.
Limitations of the RSA Add-on Cover for Commercial Vehicles
Here are some of the challenges that come with the RSA add-on cover with a commercial vehicle insurance policy:
- Scope of Coverage: Make sure that the insurer provides services like towing, emergency repairs, fuel delivery, flat tyre assistance, and other relevant services, with the RSA add-on cover.
- Geographical Coverage: Always make sure to check the geographical limitations of the add-on cover, as it is mostly only available for a specific radius that falls within the city from where you purchased the base policy. It is beneficial to align the prescribed geographical area as per the business area, and wherever the insured vehicle will be operating.
- Number of Services Available During a Policy Year: Policyholders must be aware of the exact number of times they can avail themselves of the roadside assistance feature and services per year to avoid any hassle during an unforeseen emergency.
In the fast-paced world, having the right insurance coverage for a business-owned vehicle can make a huge difference. Since basic third-party commercial vehicle insurance does not cover damages caused to the insured vehicle, it is better to buy a comprehensive policy with the required add-ons. The RSA add-on cover with commercial vehicle insurance is helpful in managing commercial vehicles.
FAQs
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Q1. Is RSA included in commercial vehicle insurance?
Ans: No, RSA is not included in a standard commercial vehicle insurance policy. It can only be included as an optional add-on cover with a comprehensive policy at an additional premium. -
Q2. Is RSA free of cost with a commercial vehicle insurance policy?
Ans: No, the RSA add-on can only be bought at an additional premium and not all services provided under the add-on are free of cost. Some of the services have to be borne by the policyholder. -
Q3. Is it compulsory to have the RSA add-on cover with my commercial vehicle insurance?
Ans: No, the RSA add-on is completely optional and it is not mandatory to buy it with your commercial vehicle insurance policy. -
Q4. What is RSA cover for commercial vehicles?
Ans: The RSA or roadside assistance cover is an optional add-on with a commercial vehicle insurance policy. It provides a 24x7 help in case of breakdown, minor on-site repair, flat tyre, etc.
